Declaration of heirs (declaración de herederos) — only if there is no will
Why it matters
With no will, Spanish law decides the heirs, but it must be formally declared (by a notary for close relatives) before you can inherit anything.
How to do it
- If Últimas Voluntades confirms NO will, a notary handles the declaración de herederos for close family (spouse, descendants, ascendants).
- You will need the death certificate, certificado de últimas voluntades, the deceased's and heirs' ID, and family-book/registry documents.